Lessons from Alan Sugar: 2014 Apprentice Winner, Mark Wright Shares His Success Story

In this interview, branding expert Jim James discusses how authenticity is crucial for effective marketing. He explains that people connect best with brands that feel genuine. He warns against sounding too polished or disconnected, as customers prefer real connections with the people behind the businesses they support.Jim stresses that authenticity means aligning actions with values and building trust through transparency. He shares examples, like Joe Hart from Dale Carnegie, who strengthened team trust by being open during tough times. This kind of authenticity, he argues, helps entrepreneurs succeed by keeping them focused on their mission rather than on fame.Reflecting on his own career, Jim highlights the value of patience, humility, and a genuine purpose in business. Inspired by his grandfather’s dedication to service, he advises entrepreneurs to focus on adding real value, understanding that lasting success comes from honest connections and persistence.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHS surgical consultant Richard Porter shares his thoughts on leadership, motivation, and emotional intelligence in a lively chat with host James. They start by comparing two visionary leaders—Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk—highlighting how their different goals, whether it's improving customer experience or colonising Mars, drive everything they do. Richard explains that having a clear focus, like his own mission to create a better future for his sons, makes decisions easier and keeps you motivated to push forward.Explore the link between emotional intelligence and success. Richard talks about how motivation isn't something you wait for; it’s a natural outcome when you're working towards something that excites you. He also points out that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Staying motivated, he says, is about having structure, setting goals that matter to you, and being emotionally connected to what you want to achieve.Richard touches on the power of being authentic. Trying to be someone you're not can be exhausting, but living in line with your values makes everything feel easier. He explains how emotional intelligence helps you understand both your own feelings and those of others, building stronger connections. By staying disciplined, consistent, and true to what you care about, you can build confidence and live a more fulfilling life—because, as Richard reminds us, life is short, and every day counts.The BizX Podcast Episode 83 with Richard PorterTake Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview, author and motivational speaker Paul McGee highlights self-awareness, change, and happiness. He explains that self-awareness, a core part of his S.U.M.O. philosophy—"Shut up, Move On"—is crucial for improving relationships and overall life satisfaction. Many people, he says, live on autopilot, and taking time to reflect helps break that cycle.McGee emphasises that pain, not pleasure, often drives real change, sharing personal stories of how hitting rock bottom led to major life shifts. He advises balancing ambition with moments of reflection, encouraging people to not just seize the day, but to savour life’s small moments too.When it comes to happiness, McGee argues it’s a by-product of living in line with your values, rather than something to chase. He shares practical tips like practising gratitude and redefining success in a way that brings real fulfilment without sacrificing inner peace.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 in 3 Entrepreneurs live with Dyslexia, and you may be one of them… Serial entrepreneur and bestselling author Jamie Waller unveils the truth behind dyslexia, exploring how it has shaped his success and the lives of countless other high achievers. Discover why over 40% of self-made millionaires are dyslexic, and how traits often associated with dyslexia—like resilience, creativity, and big-picture thinking—are crucial for entrepreneurial triumph. Get ready to rethink everything you know about dyslexia!Jamie opens up about his personal journey, from being labelled "thick" and facing rejection in school, to building multi-million-pound businesses. We also discuss the struggles dyslexic children face in a system that doesn’t understand them, and how love, confidence, and the right mentors can make all the difference. Whether you're a parent, educator, or business leader, this video will give you valuable insights on how to support dyslexic individuals in both their personal and professional lives. Tune in now and unleash the power of dyslexic thinking!Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Riley, the brilliant mind behind Countdown, has gained some powerful life lessons along the way. Starting her TV career at just 22, Rachel faced the pressures of the spotlight head-on. With the help of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), she learned to break free from perfectionism, shifting her focus from obsessing over mistakes to celebrating her successes and learning from challenges. Her approach to life is all about embracing growth, knowing that the best lessons often come from taking risks and making mistakes.A profound turning point came in Rachel’s life after a huge loss. This experience gave her a new perspective, driving her to focus on what truly matters: family, health, and making the most of every moment. For Rachel, failure isn’t something to fear—it’s a stepping stone to growth. She’s a big believer in pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, because that’s where the real learning happens.Rachel's passion for making a difference goes far beyond the screen. In 2023, she was awarded an MBE for her dedication to Holocaust education, bravely standing up for important causes. At home, she’s just as inspiring, opening her doors to Ukrainian refugees and instilling values of kindness and compassion in her children. For Rachel, success is about more than fame—it’s about living a meaningful, balanced life, surrounded by family and making a lasting impact on the world.Rachel hosts the UK’s Biggest Business event from the 2nd-4th April 2025 in Farnborough. Book your spot now to learn from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers, and take a positive step towards making 2025 your best year yet!https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Sallis, an author, teacher, and mindset coach, dives into the real qualities that make or break a leader. He doesn’t hold back, calling out bad leaders as people who don’t listen, lack vision, and often have a streak of narcissism. Steve opens up about his own experience being bullied at work by a narcissistic boss, something that hit him hard emotionally. That difficult chapter in his life led him to write a book for young professionals, helping them spot toxic leadership early on. His years working in tough London schools, where gang culture and knife crime were part of daily life, gave him a unique perspective on what it takes to lead well—starting with self-awareness and creating a supportive, safe environment for everyone.Over time, Steve developed the strategic mindset needed to lead effectively. For Steve, it’s all about pairing confidence with competence—because while confidence gets you started, it’s skill and awareness that make you truly successful. He’s big on the idea that ego can wreck communication and relationships, and without self-awareness, even the most confident leader will struggle to inspire their team.What really fires Steve up is his belief in building strong, high-performing teams by recognising and playing to people’s strengths. It’s not about ego—it’s about helping your team win. And for him, leadership is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and improvement.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Daniel Priestley breaks down the "entrepreneur revolution" and why it’s the most exciting time to start and grow a business. He shares how today’s success isn’t about having a massive workforce or loads of money anymore—it’s about spotting opportunities and taking them to market fast. He even talks about how he built a global business with a small team and how YouTubers in their 20s are making millions with tiny crews, shaking up traditional industries like never before.But it’s not just about making money. Priestley reveals the secret sauce to building a business that not only wins customers but also attracts buyers, which could be worth millions. He dives into the tricky phase of growth where businesses are too big to be small and too small to be big, giving you insider tips on how to break through and scale faster than you ever thought possible.As if that wasn’t enough, he explores how AI and technology are completely reshaping the game, allowing small teams to compete at a level once reserved for the big players. If you’re into business, tech, or just making things happen, Priestley’s insights are like getting the cheat codes to success. This is a conversation you can’t miss if you're ready to take your business to the next level!Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, social media strategist Harvey Heggs discusses the importance of building a strong online presence and personal brand. He explains that having employees create personal brands can help align a company towards shared goals, like generating leads or growing socially. While there are risks, such as employees outgrowing the company, the benefits—like building trust and connecting with a wider audience—make it worthwhile. Harvey also points out that personal branding goes beyond just creating content; it’s about telling a story in a way that resonates, whether through blog posts, videos, or other formats.Harvey shares insights from his own journey, which began when he was 16, learning from successful figures like Graham Stephan and managing social media for a large company in Dubai. He believes that successful social media strategy is not just about posting content but having a clear plan with defined goals and consistency. He highlights the need for innovation, adaptability, and patience, using examples of creators who constantly pivot their strategies to stay relevant and grow their brands.Ultimately, Harvey encourages businesses and individuals to take social media seriously by developing a strong strategy that guides their content and goals. He emphasizes the importance of staying consistent, being patient, and understanding the power of a well-thought-out plan to achieve long-term success.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Bishop, a three-time Olympian, shares her insights on performance and leadership, focusing on the need to define what success truly means. She encourages people to think beyond traditional goals like winning medals or meeting targets and to explore the deeper personal and social value of these achievements. Success, she suggests, is a long-term journey that requires clarity about both short-term actions and long-term vision, helping individuals stay on track and make necessary adjustments.Bishop highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation—such as purpose, mastery, belonging, and autonomy—in sustaining commitment and resilience, especially during challenging times. She explains that performance is about more than just big moments; it involves continuous preparation, learning, and growth. This mindset helps individuals see every step as an opportunity to improve, regardless of immediate outcomes.In discussing leadership, Bishop emphasises the importance of creating a positive organisational culture. She argues that leaders should foster an environment that values learning, collaboration, and ethical behaviour to prevent toxic cultures. Drawing from her experiences, she contrasts the high-pressure environment of her first Olympics with the supportive culture of her later experiences, demonstrating that high performance thrives best when ambition is balanced with a supportive, ethical approach.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business:https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Would you rather your spouse be satisfied or loyal?”In this conversation, Jeffrey Gitomer, a leading authority on sales, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, and renowned best-selling author, highlights the need to rethink traditional sales methods. Gitomer, whose work has had a major impact on the sales industry, believes that customers prefer to make their own buying decisions rather than being pressured into a purchase. He argues that high-pressure tactics often lead to regret and don’t build lasting relationships. Instead, he promotes a customer-focused approach where genuine conversations and understanding the customer's needs naturally lead to a sale. By asking thoughtful questions and truly engaging with customers, salespeople can create a comfortable environment that encourages buying.Gitomer also talks about the power of capturing moments of customer satisfaction and using them as authentic testimonials. He explains that real success in sales goes beyond just closing deals; it’s about creating memorable experiences that build customer loyalty. This loyalty, which Gitomer views as more important than just satisfaction, leads to repeat business and referrals, which are key to long-term success. Gitomer, who has influenced many sales leaders, also points out that managers should focus on inspiring their teams, as true inspiration, centred on the customer's experience, has a lasting impact.Additionally, Gitomer discusses the importance of effective sales training and the role of AI in personalising customer interactions. He emphasises that good training should not only teach sales techniques but also help salespeople understand the reasons behind customer decisions. Gitomer, known for shaping modern sales training, also highlights the value of continuous learning and self-improvement, drawing lessons from classic business books. He encourages listeners to take action, learn from successful people, and apply those lessons to their own paths while staying true to their strengths and values.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.